Token configured to interact

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of a token configured to interact are disclosed.

BACKGROUND

Interactive display systems may be configured to receive input datathrough devices that interact with a display. However, these devices maybe undesirably limited in the ways that they can interact with thedisplay system and each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various exemplary embodiments ofthe present system and method and are a part of the specification. Theillustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present system andmethod and do not limit the scope thereof.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an interactive displaysystem, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of theinteractive display system of FIG. 1, according to one exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a close-up perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of adigital light processor used in the display system of FIG. 1, accordingto one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a simple block diagram illustrating the components of anembodiment of a token including one or more symbols, according to oneexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a simple block diagram illustrating the module structure of anembodiment of a token, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a simple perspective view further illustrating the modulestructure of an embodiment of a token, according to one exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a simple perspective view further illustrating the modulestructure of an embodiment of a token, according to one exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating communicationsbetween embodiments of a number of tokens and an embodiment of anapplication, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a simple block diagram illustrating communication betweenembodiments of a number of tokens, an embodiment of an interactivedisplay surface, and a third-party object, according to one exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method fordetecting position and receiving data from tokens or objects around atoken, according to one exemplary embodiment.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar,but possibly not identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present exemplary system and method use any number of signalinginteraction methods to enable collaboration and interaction betweencomponents of a single token, multiple tokens, and/or objects in theenvironment of a token. More specifically, through the use of radiofrequencies or other signaling methods, interactive tokens maycollaborate and interact with other tokens by having an “awareness” ofnearby tokens, identifying locations of nearby tokens and objects,establishing relationship information with other tokens or objects,and/or sharing information among and/or between tokens and nearbyobjects. Further, a system and a method for performing theabove-mentioned collaboration and interaction are disclosed hereinincluding an embodiment of a display system, such as an interactivedisplay system, that may be used as a communication medium. Opticalcommunication along with radio frequency (RF) signaling and other typesof signaling interaction may enable the mentioned collaboration andinteraction.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present system and method for enabling tokeninteraction. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art,that the present method may be practiced without these specific details.Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in variousplaces in the specification may possibly not be referring to the sameembodiment.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a display system, suchas an interactive display system (10), is shown according to oneexemplary embodiment. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, theinteractive display system (10) is shown as embodied in a “table” (12),with the table surface functioning as the display surface (14).According to the exemplary configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,multiple users, each having his/her own token (40), may view and accessthe display surface (14) by positioning themselves around the table(12). While the present exemplary system and method are described in thecontext of an interactive display system (10) embodied in a table (12),the physical embodiment of the display system may take any number offorms other than that of a “table.”

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exemplary interactivedisplay system (10) includes an embodiment of a display device having adisplay surface (14) and a digital light processor (DLP) (16). Theinteractive display system (10) further includes at least one opticalsensor (30), and a controller (18) having access to one or moreapplications (60). According to one exemplary embodiment, the controller(18) is configured to generate electrical image signals indicative ofviewable images, such as computer graphics, movie video, video games,Internet Web pages, etc., which are provided for generation to the DLP(16). Additionally, digital information may be provided by the DLP (16)that is not readily visible to the unaided human eye. For example,according to one exemplary embodiment, digital data streams may beaggregated into the visible DLP stream to be detected by electronicdevices such as tokens, etc. The controller (18) may take several forms,such as a personal computer, microprocessor, or other electronic devicescapable of providing image signals to a DLP. The DLP (16), in responseto the electrical signals, generates digital optical (viewable) imageson the display surface (14). The controller (18) may receive data andother information to generate the image signals from various sources,such as hard drives, CD or DVD ROMs (32), computer servers, local and/orwide area networks, hosted applications (60), tokens, and the Internet,for example. While the controller (18) is illustrated as being disposedin the table itself, it may also be remotely located and communicativelycoupled to the display surface (14) by physical wires or wireless means,according to one exemplary embodiment. Additionally, the controller (18)may receive data and other information received by the at least oneoptical sensor (30). The optical sensor (30) may include, but is in noway limited to, a charge coupled device (CCD), a complementary metaloxide semiconductor (CMOS) laser sensor, or any other optical sensorconfigured to detect the presence of a token (40) on the display surface(14). The controller (18) may also provide additional output in the formof projected images from an auxiliary projector (20) and sound from aspeaker (22).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the interactive display system (10) caninclude a variety of additional components, such as a projector (20),configured to simultaneously project the content of the display surface(14) onto a wall-mounted screen, for example. According to one exemplaryembodiment, the content displayed on the display surface (14) and thecontent displayed by the projector (20) may be the same or different.The interactive display system (10) may also include one or morespeakers (22) for producing audible sounds that accompany the visualcontent on the display surface (14). Further, the interactive displaysystem (10) may include one or more devices for storing and retrievingdata, such as a CD or DVD ROM drive, disk drives, USB flash memoryports, etc.

While the interactive display system (10) is described herein in thecontext of a display device including a DLP (16), the present systemsand methods are in no way limited to facilitating token (40) interactionthrough a display surface (14) and a DLP display device (16). Rather,any number of display devices having an optical sensor configured todetect an object on a display surface may be used to facilitate tokeninteraction according to the present exemplary embodiment including, butin no way limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display,or a flat panel display. Additionally, other non-optical sensors may beused to detect objects on the display surface (14) including, but in noway limited to, sonic detection, vibration, force/deflection detection,etc. Further, while the above-mentioned interactive display system (10)includes a display surface (14), a number of the present tokeninteraction systems and methods may be incorporated by a token withoutbeing associated with a display surface, as will be described in furtherdetail below.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, theDLP (16) may assume a variety of forms. In general, the DLP (16)generates a viewable digital image on the display surface (14) byprojecting a plurality of pixels of light onto the display surface. Eachviewable image may be made up of millions of pixels. Each pixel isindividually controlled and addressable by the DLP (16) to have acertain color (or grey-scale). The combination of many light pixels ofdifferent colors (or grey-scales) on the display surface (14) generatesa viewable image or “frame.” Continuous video and graphics may begenerated by sequentially combining frames together, as in a motionpicture.

One embodiment of a DLP (16) includes a digital micro-mirror device(DMD) configured to vary the projection of light pixels onto the displaysurface (14). Other embodiments could include, but are in no way limitedto, diffractive light devices (DLD), liquid crystal on silicon devices(LCOS), plasma displays, and liquid crystal displays. Additionally,other spatial light modulator and display technologies could besubstituted for the DLP (16) without varying from the scope of thepresent system and method.

FIG. 3 is a close-up view of a portion of an exemplary DMD, according toone exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the DMD includes an arrayof micro-mirrors (24) individually mounted on hinges (26). Eachmicro-mirror (24) corresponds to one or more pixel(s) in an imageprojected on the display surface (14). The controller (18; FIG. 2)provides light modulation signals indicative of a desired viewable imageor optical data stream to the DLP (16). In response to the receivedsignals, the DLP (16) causes each micro-mirror (24) of the DMD tomodulate light (L) to generate an all-digital image onto the displaysurface (14). Specifically, the DLP (16) causes each micro-mirror (24)to repeatedly tilt toward or away from a light source (not shown) inresponse to the image signals from the controller (18), effectivelyturning the particular pixel associated with the micro-mirror “on” and“off”, which normally occurs thousands of times per second. When amicro-mirror (24) is switched on more frequently than off, a light graypixel is projected onto the display surface (14). Conversely, when amicro-mirror (24) is switched off more frequently than on, a darker graypixel is projected. A color wheel (not shown) may also be used to createa color image. The individually light-modulated pixels may be configuredto form a viewable image or frame on the display surface (14).

Returning again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the interactive display system (10)further includes one or more tokens (40) having the ability tofacilitate token interaction. The interactive tokens (40) illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 can assume a variety of physical forms, such as pointingdevices (computer mouse, white board pen, etc.), gaming pieces,multimedia devices, physical manipulation tools, and the like. FIG. 4further illustrates the components of an embodiment of a token, such asthe interactive token (40), according to one exemplary embodiment. Asshown in FIG. 4, the exemplary interactive token (40) includes, but isin no way limited to, an outer housing (48) configured to protect theinternal components of the token. As mentioned previously, the outerhousing (48) of the interactive token (40) may assume any number ofshapes and sizes including, but in no way limited to, pointing devices(computer mouse, white board pen, etc.), gaming pieces, multimediadevices, physical manipulation tools, and the like. According to oneexemplary embodiment, the outer housing (48) of the token (40) assumes ashape associated with an application (60) to be performed by the token.

As shown in FIG. 4, the interactive token (40) includes componentsconfigured to facilitate token interaction. More specifically, asillustrated in FIG. 4, the interactive token includes an outer housing(48) that may assume any number of physical forms and that houses anumber of interactive components. As shown, the interactive token (40)may include, but is in no way limited to, a receiver (42), a memory (44)or other data storage device, and/or an external access device (46) atleast partially contained within the outer housing (48). According toone exemplary embodiment of the interactive token (40), the receiver(42) includes an optical receiver that is configured to receive opticalsignals from the DLP (16) through or near the display surface (14).Additionally, according to one exemplary embodiment, the receiver (42)may also receive information from the side of the display surface,depending on the line of sight between the display surface (14) and thesignal receiver. Additionally, according to one exemplary embodiment,the token (40) may be hardwired to the controller (18). For example, thereceiver (42) may be a photo receptor such as a photocell, a photodiode, a charge coupled device (CCD), or any other signal receivingdevice embedded in one surface of the interactive token (40).Additionally, according to the present exemplary embodiment, thereceiver (42) may be configured to receive any number of wirelesslytransmitted signals including, but in no way limited to, an infrared(IR) signal receiver, an ultraviolet (UV) light signal receiver, a radiofrequency (RF) receiver, a laser signal receiver, or a transceivercapable of both receiving and sending communication signals.

Further, FIG. 4 illustrates a memory component (44) communicativelycoupled to the receiver (42). According to one exemplary embodiment, thememory component (44) may be any device, or combination of devices,configured to selectively receive, format, and store received data.Accordingly, the memory component (44) may include, but is in no waylimited to, a memory access ASIC or a processor, a read only memory(ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a virtual memory,and the like.

The external access component (46) of the token (40) is configured toallow a user to access data saved in the memory component (44).Accordingly, any number of external access components (46) may beincluded in the token (40) including, but in no way limited to, anearphone jack, a speaker jack, an infrared transmitter, a radiofrequency transmitter, a speaker, a motion actuator, a light source, akeystone jack, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a serial port, awireless transmitter, a small LCD panel, a light array, and/or othervisual stimuli. According to one exemplary embodiment, an externalaccess component (46) in the form of a wireless transmitter isconfigured to transmit data to an external receiving device, such asanother token (40), a third party object, or the interactive displaysystem controller (18; FIG. 2). This allows the tokens (40) tocommunicate their respective positions and/or subset applicationcommands to the controller (18; FIG. 2) through the display surface (14;FIG. 2) or to another token (40) or a third party object through wiredor wireless transmission means, as will be further developed below.

In addition to the exemplary components illustrated in FIG. 4, thepresent interactive tokens (40) may also include any number of uniqueidentifiers (50), power sources (52), and/or processing components (54)configured to facilitate the interactive capabilities of the presentexemplary tokens (40). More specifically, according to one exemplaryembodiment, the present interactive tokens (40) may include a uniqueidentifier (50). The unique identifier (50) assigned to each interactivetoken (40) may allow for the rapid identification of the token user.Additionally, the unique identifier (50) may be used by the controller(18; FIG. 2) and/or other interactive tokens (40) to allocate tokencharacteristics to the identified token. For example, if the exemplaryinteractive token (40) represents a gaming token, the unique identifier(50) may be used by the controller (18; FIG. 2) and/or other interactivetokens (40) to allocate features that represent capabilities used inplaying games (type of character, type of weapons, etc.) to theidentified interactive token. According to one exemplary embodiment, theunique identifier may include, but is in no way limited to, a passiveidentification circuit configured to emit a predetermined frequency whenactivated, an optical code such as a bar code or image, or an activeidentification circuit configured to continually emit a predeterminedfrequency or data string.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the exemplary interactive token(40) may include a power source (52). According to one exemplaryembodiment, the power source (52) is configured to provide power to theother components of the exemplary interactive token (40). By way ofexample, the power source (52) of the present exemplary interactivetoken (40) may include, but is in no way limited to, an on-board powersupply such as batteries, a passive power supply such as one configuredto be powered passively through inductive or capacitive coupling, orwith a light energy power supply such as a photovoltaic cell or modulewhich receives light from the interactive display system (10; FIG. 1).

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the present interactive token(40) may also include an on-board processing unit (54), According to oneexemplary embodiment, the on-board processing unit (54) may beconfigured to perform computer processing functions including, but in noway limited to, executing programs, enhancing gaming capabilities,enabling the interactive tokens to identify and ‘experience’surroundings, and to gain/learn links into further information. Further,tokens (40) may be able to ‘sense’ attributes concerning theirenvironment and pass that data on to other tokens or system processors.Also, the token (40) may process the data through onboard capabilitieswhich would alter the token behavior in the context of the applicationfor which they were configured.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a module configuration that may beapplied to the interactive tokens, according to one exemplaryembodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a number of modules (500) may beconfigured to independently add or enhance a number of functions to theinteractive token (40; FIG. 4), according to one exemplary embodiment.While a number of functions are illustrated in the exemplary modules ofFIG. 5, it is to be understood that any number of functions and/orenhancements may be provided by the modules (500).

As illustrated in FIG. 5, a first module is illustrated as a servocontrol module (510). According to one exemplary embodiment, the servocontrol module (510) may facilitate any number of servo controlledmovements to be performed by the interactive token (40; FIG. 4).Similarly, the sound module (520) may include, but is in no way limitedto, a speaker and/or any number of associated drivers or devicesconfigured to produce sounds related to the function of the exemplaryinteractive token (40: FIG. 4). Moreover, the illumination module (530)illustrated in FIG. 5 may include a number of light emitting componentsthat selectively illuminate in response to received information orsignals. Acceptable light emitting components include, but are in no waylimited to, light emitting diodes (LEDs).

Further, FIG. 5 illustrates a token memory, attribute storage,application function, and memory map module (540). According to thisexemplary embodiment, the token memory (540) may perform the same datastorage applications as mentioned herein with reference to the datastorage or memory component (44) of the interactive token (40; FIG. 4).Further, the communication module (550) illustrated in FIG. 5 mayperform communication functions, both transmission and receiving, asdescribed herein with respect to the external access (46; FIG. 4) andthe receiver (42; FIG. 4). The mobility module (560) illustrated in FIG.5 may be included to facilitate autonomous translation of theinteractive token (40), when commanded. While the modules (500)illustrated in FIG. 5 are represented as generic cylinders, the modulesmay, according to one exemplary embodiment, assume a shape related totheir function.

According to the exemplary module embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, thenumerous modules may be added to a base of an interactive token (40;FIG. 4) to perform the above-identified functions. Further,communication is facilitated between the modules (500) to efficientlytransfer information and to perform desired functions. According to oneexemplary embodiment, the exemplary modules may communicate via anynumber of communication techniques including, but in no way limited to,RF transmission, IR transmission, ultrasonic transmission, opticaltransmission, hard wires, and the like.

FIG. 6 further describes the module configuration of FIG. 5, accordingto one exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 6, collaboration andinteraction of an interactive token (40) may be enhanced by the use ofthe stackable or connectable modules illustrated in FIG. 5. As shown inFIG. 6, a first module (630) may be added to represent a type of weaponpossessed by the interactive token (40) serving as a game piece.Accordingly, the first module may contain information related to therepresented weapon, which is then transmitted to the other portions ofthe interactive token (40), such as the base unit (600), as well as toother signal receiving devices. According to one exemplary embodiment,the module may assume a form that somehow represents the weaponassociated therewith. Additionally, a second module (620) may be addedto represent a type of armor possessed by the interactive game token(40). Further characteristics may also be added through modulesincluding, but in no way limited to, the addition of a type of characterby a third module (610) and/or a team association demonstrated by thebase (600). According to this exemplary embodiment, the attributesrepresented by the various modules will then be communicated with eachother and with other tokens or third party objects.

FIG. 7 illustrates yet another embodiment of the module configuration,according to one exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 7,collaboration and interaction of an interactive game token (40) may beenhanced by altering an orientation of the communicating modules (500;FIG. 5). According to one exemplary embodiment, the stackable orconnectable modules illustrated in FIG. 7 may provide variouscharacteristics to the interactive game token (40) depending on theirorientation. For example, rotating a first module (630) in a clockwisedirection may increase a weapon range of the interactive token (40)serving as an avatar. However, this increase in range may also beaccompanied by a decrease in an ability to inflict damage. Similarly,rotating a second module (620) in a clockwise direction may increasearmor strength, while reducing mobility. Rotating a third module (610)may change a military rank of the interactive token (40) Finally,rotating a fourth or base module (600) may determine which direction theinteractive token (40) is facing in a battle.

FIG. 8 illustrates one exemplary embodiment for enabling and performingcollaboration and interaction between a number of interactive tokens(40) disposed on the display surface (14), according to one exemplaryembodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the interactive display system(10) facilitates two-way communication between the controller (18) andthe tokens (40) by first detecting the tokens and initiatingapplications (60) associated with the detected tokens. According to oneexemplary embodiment, the tokens (40) are identified via opticaldetection. Additionally, according to one exemplary embodiment,additional command signals may be transmitted to the controller (18) viaexternal transmitting components, such as third party objects havingtransmitters. Further, each token (40) placed in contact with thedisplay surface (14) may receive optical data signals from thecontroller (18) in the form of modulated optical signals (opticalpositioning signals) via the DLP (16), which is controlled by electricalpositioning signals and electrical image signals from the controller(18), The optical signal transmitted by the DLP (16) may be in the formof a series of optical pulses that are coded according to a variety ofencoding techniques.

Two-way communication between the controller (18) and each token (40)allows the interactive display system (10) to accommodate simultaneousinput from and output to multiple tokens. Two-way communication betweenthe tokens (40) and the controller (18) also allows the system to use afeed-back mechanism to establish a unique “handshake” between each tokenand the controller. The unique “handshake” may be accomplished invarious ways.

Once each token (40) on the display surface (14) is identified andactively communicating with the controller (18), multiple tokens (40)may relay their position and/or additional communication to other tokenson the display surface (14) via the controller (18).

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the present interactive tokens(40) may be configured to transmit and receive information frominteractive tokens (40) and third party objects (900) located within acommunications range off of the display surface (14) via wirelesscommunication. As noted previously, the interactive tokens (40) areconfigured to communicate with the interactive display system (10;FIG. 1) through any number of communication techniques including, but inno way limited to, optical communication, IR transmission, RFtransmission, ultrasonic transmission, and the like. Additionally, asillustrated by the dashed lines in FIG. 9, the present interactivetokens (40) may communicate with any number of data transmitting objectswithin the transmission range of the exemplary tokens (40). As shown,the data transmitting objects may include, but are in no way limited to,interactive tokens (40) located off of the display surface (14) and/orthird-party objects (900) configured to transmit and/or receive datacommunications as mentioned above.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the abilityto collaborate and interact with nearby tokens (40) and third-partyobjects (900) allows for a number of data transmission opportunities.For example, according to one exemplary embodiment, a promotionalopportunity may occur by incorporating a third-party object (900)configured to transmit data to and/or from an interactive token (40) ina restaurant or retail location. According to this exemplary embodiment,coupons, discounts, and/or reward points may accumulate on the memory(44; FIG. 4) of the interactive token (40) when in the vicinity of thethird-party object (900). Similarly, according to one exemplaryembodiment, video clips, JPEG images, and/or sound clips of anentertainment activity, such as an amusement park ride or a sportingevent, may be transmitted to an interactive token (40). This data maythen be viewed or otherwise accessed at a Kiosk near the entertainmentactivity or at another interactive display system (10; FIG. 1).

Alternatively, when the interactive token is used as an avatar or arepresentation of a user in a gaming environment, gaming opportunitiesmay present themselves as the interactive token (40) is transported.According to this exemplary embodiment, a user may transport theirinteractive token with them to a designated area. If the interactivetoken (40) in the form of an avatar passes with in a transmission zoneof another interactive token (40), a “game” or “match” may occur betweenthe avatars based on the character, weapon, and other capabilities ofthe interactive token (40).

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a communication detection methodthat may be performed by the interactive token (40), according to oneexemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the interactive tokenis activated and a detection sequence is initiated (step 1000).Activation of the detection sequence may be initiated manually by a useror, according to one exemplary embodiment, the detection sequence mayautomatically be initiated when in the presence of a specified signal.

Once the detection sequence is initiated, the interactive tokendetermines whether an object communication is detected (step 1010). Asmentioned previously, object communication may be detected by receptionof an optical signal, an RF signal, an IR signal, an ultrasonic signal,and the like. If no communication is detected (NO, step 1010), thedetection sequence continues. If, however, a communication is detectedby the interactive token (YES, step 1010), the interactive token thendetermines if the detected transmission is being received from an objecton the display system (step 1020). According to one exemplaryembodiment, an interactive token (40; FIG. 4) may determine that thedetected transmission is detected from an object on the display systemif the received transmission is received via the display surface (14).If the communication is coming from the viewing device or an objectlocated on the viewing device (YES, step 1020), communication andlocation triangulation is performed via the display system (step 1030).

If, however, the detected communication is coming from an object not onthe display system (NO, step 1020), the interactive token thendetermines if the detected object is broadcasting position information(step 1040). If, the detected object is broadcasting positioninformation (YES, step 1040), the interactive token receiving the objectcommunication determines the object location from the broadcastinformation (step 1050). Once the position is determined from thebroadcast information (step 1050), or if the detected object is notbroadcasting position information (NO, step 1040), the interactive tokenthen determines if the detected object is transmitting information (step1060). If the detected object is transmitting information (YES, step1060), the interactive token then receives the transmitted information(step 1060) via any number of the above-mentioned data transmissionmethods.

Once the information is received, or if the detected object is nottransmitting information (NO, step 1060), the interactive token thendetermines if it should, based on received information, continue todetect object communication (step 1080). If continued object detectionis desired (YES, step 1080), the communication detection sequence isagain initiated (step 1000) and the communication detection methodcontinues. If, however, the interactive token determines that the objectdetection is no longer desired (NO, step 1080), the present method ends.

In conclusion, embodiments of the present system and method for enablingcollaboration and interaction between components of a single token,multiple tokens, and/or objects in the environment of a token use radiofrequencies or other signaling methods. More specifically, the presentsystem and method may incorporate wireless transmission means to allowinteractive tokens to collaborate and interact with other tokens byhaving an “awareness” of nearby tokens, identifying a location of nearbytokens, establishing relationship information with other tokens orobjects, and/or sharing information among and/or between tokens andnearby objects, thereby enhancing the user experience.

The preceding description has been presented to illustrate and describeexemplary embodiments of the system and method. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the system and method to any precise formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light ofthe above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the system andmethod be defined by the following claims. Where the claims recite “a”or a “first” element of the equivalent thereof, such claims should beunderstood to include incorporation of one or more such elements,neither having to include nor excluding two or more such elements.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a display device; a sensorfor detecting tokens used with the display device including a firsttoken associated with the display device that comprises an opticalsensor to receive data from the display device; and a controllercommunicatively coupled to the sensor and the display device; whereinthe controller is to drive the display device to simultaneously displayan image with the display device and to optically transfer data,separate from the displayed image, to the optical sensor of the firsttoken using display elements of the display device corresponding to alocation of the first token.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thecontroller is further to select an application from a plurality ofapplications based on a detection of the first token.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the display device includes a display surface and aprojection device to project a plurality of pixels onto the displaysurface.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first token comprises anavatar to be used in a gaming environment.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the token further comprises a photovoltaic cell to generatepower for the token by receiving light from the display device.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the first token comprises a processor, withassociated memory, and a sensor in communication with the processor; andwherein the first token is programmed to sense attributes of itsenvironment and alter token behavior based on the environmentalattributes.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first token furthercomprises at least one interactive module to interact with a secondtoken, the second token also associated with the display device.
 8. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein the first token further comprises an externalaccess component providing user access to data in the memory.
 9. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein the first token further comprises a uniqueidentifier assigned to distinguish the first token from other tokensassociated with the display device.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein:the first token associated with the display device is configured to beselectively repositioned by a user with respect to the display device,and the first token comprises a processor, with associated memory, and asensor in communication with the processor; wherein the first token isprogrammed to sense attributes of its environment and alter tokenbehavior based on such environmental attributes.
 11. The system of claim10, wherein the first token further comprises at least one interactivemodule to interact with a second token, the second token also associatedwith the display device.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the firsttoken further comprises an external access component providing useraccess to data in the memory.
 13. The system of claim JO, wherein thefirst token further comprises a unique identifier assigned todistinguish the first token from other tokens associated with thedisplay device.
 14. A method of operating a system, the methodcomprising: detecting tokens, via a sensor, used with a display deviceincluding a first token associated with the display device thatcomprises an optical sensor to receive data from the display device;driving, via a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and thedisplay device, the display device to simultaneously display an imagewith the display device and to optically transfer data, separate fromthe displayed image, to the optical sensor of the first token associatedwith the display device; and using display elements of the displaydevice corresponding to a location of the first token to opticallytransfer data to the optical sensor of the first token via thecontroller.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising selecting anapplication from a plurality of applications based on detection of acharacteristic of the first token.
 16. The method of claim 14, whereindisplaying an image with the display device comprises projecting aplurality of pixels onto a display surface of the display device. 17.The method of claim 14, further comprising conducting a game in whichthe first token comprises an avatar to be used in the game.
 18. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the token further comprises a photovoltaiccell, and the method further comprises generating power for the token byreceiving light from the display device with the photovoltaic cell.